Drive Switching Linkage for Non-Interfering Cover Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive switching devices in image forming apparatuses face interference issues between the actuator and the frame on the rotational path of the covering member, particularly when the actuator is fixed to the covering, due to the downsizing of the apparatus and reduced space for the release member.
Innovation Solution
A drive switching device with a covering member that rotates on a support shaft, an input unit, a release member with a cam, and multiple links that move the cam in the opposite direction to the input unit's movement, disconnecting the drive transmission path when the covering opens, preventing interference with the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is fixed to the covering member to operate the release member, then the release member can be operated by covering rotation, but the actuator interferes with the frame on the rotational path of the covering member
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the covering member and repositioned inside the housing. The input unit remains on the covering member while the release member with cam mechanism is positioned separately inside the housing, eliminating the interference issue while maintaining the operational connection through the link mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A link mechanism serves as an intermediary between the input unit on the covering member and the cam on the release member. This intermediary transmits the rotational motion from the covering member to the cam, enabling the release operation without direct contact between the actuator and the interfering frame area.
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is downsized to reduce overall dimensions, then the footprint is reduced, but the space for the release member is reduced causing interference issues
Solution Approach 1:
The release member is repositioned from a location that would interfere with the covering's rotational path to a different spatial dimension inside the housing. The cam mechanism is arranged to move in a direction that utilizes available space within the housing rather than requiring clearance in the covering's rotational plane, effectively solving the space constraint issue.
3Device complexity
If the cam is moved in the same direction as the input unit, then the mechanism is simpler, but the cam cannot be positioned apart from the input unit causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the cam in the same direction as the input unit, the link mechanism is designed to move the cam in the opposite direction. This inversion allows the cam to be positioned apart from the input unit inside the housing, eliminating interference with the frame while still achieving the required release function through the reversed motion transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents interference between the input unit and the frame on the rotational path of the covering member, allowing for smooth operation and reduced component count, while enabling early release of the drive transmission path, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a release member provided in a direction apart from the input unit inside the housing and including a cam that moves in conjunction with movement of the input unit, the release member being configured to, upon rotation of the covering member toward the open position, disconnect a drive transmission path of the driver by the cam
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of links connected to the input unit and the cam, the plurality of links being configured to, upon rotation of the covering member, move the cam in an opposite direction to a direction in which the input unit is moved
Data Source
AI summary
A drive switching device includes: a covering member that is rotatably provided on a support shaft provided in a housing including a driver, and is rotatable from a closed position for covering an inside of the housing to an open position for exposing the inside of the housing; an input unit that is provided in the covering member, and receives an input of displacement caused by rotation of the covering member; a release member provided in a direction apart from the input unit inside the housing and including a cam that moves in conjunction with movement of the input unit, the release member being configured to, upon rotation of the covering member toward the open position, disconnect a drive transmission path of the driver by the cam; and multiple links connected to the input unit and the cam, the multiple links being configured to, upon rotation of the covering member, move the cam in an opposite direction to a direction in which the input unit is moved.